Leanne Greenwood
Leanne is in the Djandak Wi Strategic Planning Officer role at Djaara. Primarily, Leanne is focused on Djandak Wi planning and monitoring, developing Djandak Wi strategies and processes, and ensuring that Djaara values and voices are embedded into the Djandak Wi program.
Leanne grew up in Nairobi Kenya before moving to Naarm, Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country in 2001, where she now lives. Growing up in Kenya instilled a love of biodiversity, nature, and conservation in Leanne, which continued to blossom as she grew up and explored Australia’s vast and ancient landscapes. Her love of nature led to a Bachelors degree in Wildlife and Conservation Biology, an Honours degree in mammal monitoring, and a PhD focused on the interactions between people, fire, fungi, and flora in Australia’s semi-arid deserts. Leanne has also worked as a research assistant on several fire related projects, in conservation roles around Naarm, and worked and volunteered for several environmental NGOs.
Leanne is passionate about increasing the recognition of Indigenous Ecological Knowledge and the importance of people and their fire regimes within Australia’s ecosystems. Leanne is deeply passionate about supporting First Nations peoples to achieve their aspirations in returning cultural burning to Country and is excited and privileged to be a part of Djaara’s journey in working towards self-determination through Djandak Wi.
Leanne loves spending time in nature, hiking and camping. She loves travelling, yoga, reading, and going to art and music festivals, as well as spending time with her family and friends.